Roscoe n Stella

The post Life with Draper and Rue: The Long & Short of It by Meagan Hancock appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Meagan and her dynamic duo of dachshunds, Draper and Rue.

My life with two miniature dachshunds, Draper & Rue, is like living in a whimsical sitcom where the episodes revolve around unexpected twists, dramatic entrances, and, of course, an endless supply of laughs. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to share your home with two adorable, pint-sized tornadoes of fur and personality, buckle up—it’s a wild ride!

Draper: The Golden Boy

Draper, our golden boy, who we lovingly refer to as Draper Daniel, is the mastermind behind our daily adventures. Our first-born son, with a long, luxurious blonde coat, he is an instant attention grabber and conversation starter in any room we walk into. Draper is not as daring or as alpha as one might assume based on his looks. More often than not, he actually lets his little sister rule the house and boss him around, stealing all of his toys, treats, and half of his cuddles. Our little cowardly lion, Draper, is scared of most loud noises, our printer, rain, the bathtub, and our human baby. He is also the king of the couch, where he will perch looking so majestic you’d think he was a lion in the Serengeti rather than a wiener dog.

Rue: The Sassy Diva

Then there’s Rue, our pocket-sized, sassy diva with a heart of gold and an insatiable curiosity. She’s a whopping 6.5-pound classic black and tan with an attitude that could rival a reality TV star. Rue has a knack for getting into trouble and then looking utterly innocent, as if she was saying  “Who, me?” Whether it’s stealing a sock, burrowing into a blanket, getting stuck under the couch while looking for a ball, instigating a wrestling match with Draper, or claiming the sunniest spot on the rug, she manages to do it all with an air of unapologetic charm. She’s quiet and sweet most of the time, but when the mood strikes (or an Amazon package gets delivered), you can hear her from a mile away!

Life With the Dachshund Duo

Together, they form an adorable dynamic duo, like Batman and Robin—if Batman was scared of thunder and Robin had a habit of stealing the spotlight. Their daily antics range from orchestrating elaborate schemes to snag a cracker from their human sibling to fierce wrestling matches that would make a WWE event look tame. Watching them is like attending a live-action version of a cartoon—one moment, they’re quietly plotting their next move, and the next, they’re tumbling into a pile of pillows like a pair of furry acrobats.

With two miniature dachshunds, each day is filled with kisses, barking, the occasional headshake, and a whole lot of love. They’ve taught me that the secret to happiness lies in a sprinkle of chaos, a mountain of snuggles, and a hefty dose of humor. So, step right into our wonderfully whimsical world with Draper and Rue. We’re excited to take you along on all of our adventures!

The post Life with Draper and Rue: The Long & Short of It by Meagan Hancock appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 9 Best Oatmeal Shampoos for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dog shampoos can often be loaded with chemicals that don’t even do what they claim they will, so finding a good shampoo for our dogs can be challenging. There are so many types of dog hair, with varying lengths and thicknesses, that not all products work for every animal. There are also variations in skin, and some dogs are more sensitive to allergies, dryness, and detergents than others.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a high-quality oatmeal shampoo for your dog. Our reviews aim to give you a better idea of what to look for in a product and the pros and cons of each popular brand.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo	PH-balanced Gentle on skin Pleasant scent	CHECK PRICE
		Frisco Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe for Dogs	Contains natural ingredients Hydrates and soothes skin Pleasant smell	CHECK PRICE
		John Paul Pet Sensitive Skin Shampoo	Natural ingredients Prevents and soothes itchy skin Affordable	CHECK PRICE
		Pets Are Kids Too Dog Shampoo	Anti-itch formula All-natural ingredients Gentle on eyes	CHECK PRICE
		Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo	Natural ingredients pH balanced No artificial fragrances	CHECK PRICE

The 9 Best Oatmeal Shampoos for Dogs

1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo – Best Overall

The Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is our pick as the best choice overall. It gets the job done no matter what mess your pup might have gotten into this time. Your pooch will come out of the bath smelling fresh and clean, thanks to its aloe vera and fresh cucumber scent.

The aloe vera and oatmeal are gentle on your pup’s skin and can soothe itchiness and redness. It’s also pH balanced. You can use it on your dog or the family cat, making it an excellent value for a multi-pet household. It will safely clean dry skin without irritation. The shampoo doesn’t have any soap either, so you can wash their face and ears without worry. We also like that the shampoo is made in the US.

We wish there were a larger size available since the shampoo only comes in a 16-ounce bottle. If you have a large pup, you may need to keep an extra bottle on hand. Otherwise, it’s an amazing product all around.

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!

2. Frisco Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe for Dogs

Frisco’s Oatmeal shampoo is a clean option and another great choice. The pH-balanced shampoo uses coconut and other plant-based cleaners to deodorize and clean your dog. The oatmeal shampoo uses ingredients proven to soothe skin and provide hydration to your dog’s skin and coat, such as aloe vera. It also smells nice, which is a bonus. Because the recipe is largely free from artificial ingredients, it can take a lot of product for good results.

3. John Paul Pet Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo

Another great shampoo for the price is the John Paul Pet Sensitive Skin Formula Dog Shampoo. This product is made from plant extracts and botanicals that clean your dog and leave their fur looking shiny and feeling soft. It smells great and is highly effective at reducing itchiness and flakiness.

John Paul is a well-known manufacturer of hair products for humans, too. They make low-cost products that still achieve great results. Many customers also like that this shampoo lathers well and is easy to rinse out. The scent comes from almond oil, so it might not make your dog’s fur smell as fresh as you’d like.

4. Pets Are Kids Too Oatmeal Pet Shampoo

The Pets Are Kids Too Pet Shampoo is a more expensive product than others on this list, but it’s a premium choice you and your dog will love. It’s made with high-quality ingredients, though, which increases the price. This oatmeal shampoo uses all-natural ingredients such as organic oatmeal, baking soda, aloe vera, and coconut, with an anti-itch formula that is also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, and it won’t hurt your dog if a little gets in their eyes.

5. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo For Dogs is a company known for its expertise in using natural ingredients to make high-quality products, which is exactly why this is an excellent option for puppies. This shampoo uses ingredients like honey, beeswax, and green tea to give your dog a pH-balanced bath. There are no artificial fragrances, either.

There isn’t a lot of lather with this shampoo, though, and it’s difficult to rinse out. Some people also report that it didn’t make their dog’s fur as shiny as other products.

6. Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

The first thing you may notice about the Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs is its nice smell and honey sage scent. This is used to mask any odors on your dog and eliminate and neutralize them with a unique 4-in-1 formula. The shampoo comes in a large bottle that lasts for a long time and is free from soaps that tend to wash away flea and tick medication.

You might need to take some extra time in the bath to ensure that all of it rinses out.

7. Particular Paws Oatmeal Dog & Cat Shampoo

The Particular Paw Oatmeal Dog and Cat Shampoo smells great, but unfortunately, this fragrance doesn’t last for very long. This brand uses a pH-balanced formula to clean and moisturize your dog’s skin. It contains natural ingredients, including shea butter and aloe vera, which help promote a thicker coat and soothe your dog’s skin. This shampoo rinses out easily but takes a lot of product to eliminate odors.

8. K9 Pro Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Another shampoo you can use to penetrate your pup’s coat and reduce the effects of allergies is the K9 Pro Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner. The cucumber and melon scent is great and lasts a long time after washing. However, not many natural ingredients are used to make it, which is disappointing. You’ll also need to keep this shampoo away from your dog’s eyes because it may sting if it gets in that area.

9. Paws and Pals Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

The Paws and Pals Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo nourishes and moisturizes your dog’s skin and coats it with natural oils, vitamins, and extracts that won’t irritate your dog’s skin. The shampoo is soap-free, and you get a good amount for your money. Plus, it’s made in the USA. The downsides to this shampoo brand are that the smell doesn’t last very long and seems to make some customers’ dog’s hair feel drier, even when using the conditioner. It also has a watery consistency that doesn’t lather very well.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Oatmeal Shampoos for Dogs

Now that you’ve read some of the reviews of the top oatmeal shampoos on the market, here are some tips on identifying good products in the future.

Oatmeal

Because oatmeal-based shampoos are ideal for dogs with sensitive skin, it helps to understand the different types of oatmeal shampoo companies use in their products.

Regular Oatmeal

Regular oatmeal could be a whole oat kernel, but that doesn’t mean it is every time. A lot of companies remove the bran from the oats in a lot of food. If they use oat flour, that means that the bran has been removed. Why is this important? The bran part of the oatmeal has many different healing ingredients and nutrients that are vital for the skin. This is something to be aware of when scanning the ingredients list.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is what most people look for when shopping for dog shampoo. Colloidal oatmeal is a whole-oat kernel that gets ground into a fine powder. The powder contains many nutrients that replenish oils in the skin to prevent further irritation. This type of oatmeal also contains many antioxidants and beta-glucan that act as a moisturizer.

Quick Recap: Here is Our Favorite Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Cats and Other…

• Only Natural Pet Shampoo – Our vegan, plant-based formulation is made with safe and natural…
• No Soap – A cat and dog wash free from soaps, glutens, dyes, DEA, sulfates and phthalates means it’s…
• Colloidal Oatmeal – Formula soothes and nourishes dry, irritated skin, providing itchy skin relief…

Check Price on Amazon

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!

Other Ingredients

When using any product on your pet, the goal is to find a shampoo with as many natural ingredients as possible. Try looking for shampoos with aloe vera, shea butter, chamomile, vitamin E, or tea tree oil. Refrain from using anything with too many parabens, alcohols, sulfates, petroleum, or synthetic dyes.

What About Soap?

Shampoo is soap, isn’t it? Not necessarily. Soaps and detergents help to produce lather and clean your dog, but they aren’t necessary and could wash away your pet’s flea and tick medication. If you use shampoos with soaps and detergents, then you will have to reapply their medication.

Another problem with soaps is that they break down the oils on your pet’s skin. Even though too much oil can be a problem, not enough oil can be an issue as well. When these natural oils wash away, your dogs are left with itchy and flaky skin.

Our Selection Process For Oatmeal Shampoos For Dogs

To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog shampoos we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog shampoos. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog shampoos to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

Why Trust Dogster?

Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog shampoos. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

Conclusion

Our top choice of oatmeal shampoo for dogs is the Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. And if you’re looking for another product then our runner-up choice is the Frisco Oatmeal Shampoo.

We hope that these reviews of oatmeal dog shampoos have helped make the shopping process a bit easier, and helped you find the best product for your pooch.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Best Shampoos For French Bulldogs – Reviews & Top Picks
• Best Shampoos for Golden Retrievers – Reviews & Top Picks
• Do Dogs Need Conditioner? Does It Help Them?

The post 9 Best Oatmeal Shampoos for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 10 DIY Gifts For Dogs You Can Make For Your Favorite Pooch by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Giving a gift to your dog is a great way to show appreciation and love for your four-legged friend. Gifts can range from toys for dogs that love to charge around and join in the fun and games, to new leashes and collars for those that prefer to spend their time outside getting their daily dose of exercise.

And, while your dog might not recognize the extra effort you put into making the gifts yourself, doing so can give you an extra sense of achievement while saving you some money. DIY gifts also enable you to customize the gifts and make something you will both be proud of.

Below, we look at DIY gifts you can make for your pup, which can be customized to your tastes and your dog’s needs.

The 10 DIY Dog Gifts

1. Homemade Dog Collar

The homemade dog collar is made from nylon webbing and has a soft cotton outside that is suitable for dogs with sensitive skin. Because it is homemade, you can choose any pattern of fabric you like, and the DIY pattern includes details of how to make four different sizes of collars, so you can ensure yours is the perfect fit for your pup.

The plan also includes a hack that uses an existing pre-bought collar, which makes the whole process a little simpler, still allows for customization, and gives you confidence while using the collar.

2. Dog Bowtie

We’re not saying you have to have a handmade bow tie to accompany your dog’s homemade collar, but this fleece neckwear looks super stylish and really cool. It does require some sewing, but this can be done by hand or using a sewing machine, and the stitching is fairly basic stuff.

The Velcro creates a loop around the back of the bow tie so it can be looped onto a collar—most dogs struggle doing up bowties.

3. Dip-Dyed Rope Dog Leash

If you really want to give your dog a serious splash of color for their next walk, this dip-dyed rope dog leash is the ideal homemade gift. It is easy to make, and pretty much whatever pattern you get on the leash will look great, but if you’re looking for a particular gradient or color wash, it might take a couple of goes to get it just right.

You can use the length and measurements of an existing dog leash to make sure you get the new leash the right length for you.

4. No Sew Dog Collar Sleeves

Dog collars can be pretty expensive, especially if you’re buying several to give your dog the best possible wardrobe. But, there is a less expensive solution: one that lets you get a little bit artsy while also creating as many looks for your dog’s outdoor wear as you want.

These no-sew dog collar sleeves are easy to make and once you’ve got the hang of them, you will be able to create a new sleeve for every occasion, or even to match your dog walking outfits.

5. DIY Dog Bowl Chairs

Some dogs can really benefit from using elevated feeders. They can be beneficial to brachycephalic dogs, as well as those with mobility issues, painful joints, or other health problems.

These DIY dog bowl chairs not only offer an elevated feeding position but they look great in the kitchen, dining room, or wherever else you feed your dogs. The plan does require some drilling and sawing, but it isn’t too difficult.

6. Upcycled Denim Dog Bone Toy

When jeans reach the end of their wearable life, the denim still has a lot of life left in it, but we typically just throw them away or send them to charity stores. But, the ruggedness of the denim means that it can be used to make a virtually indestructible dog toy.

In the case of this upcycled denim dog bone toy, it is shaped like a giant soft dog bone and it comes complete with a dog bone squeaker, although we fully understand if you choose to leave that out.

7. Pet Pillow

This pet pillow is so called not only because your dog or cat will likely enjoy curling up on it, but because it is personalized with your choice of photo of your pet. You will need to find a printing shop to help out creating the transfer, and you do need to be able to do some fairly basic sewing.

Otherwise, though, the design is relatively simple and the end result is very effective. Nobody will dare take your pup’s favorite sleeping spot again.

8. Dog Painted Canvas

Why should you do all the artistic work involved in creating a personalized DIY gift for your dog? You might as well put your dog’s powerful tongue and its love of peanut butter to work for you.

The dog-painted canvas was something of a viral TikTok trend. Put a few different colored paints on canvas, secure the canvas inside a ziplock bag, smear the outside of the bag with peanut butter, and let your dog go to town on the peanut butter. The licking motion will smudge the paint and create a modern work of canine art.

9. Doggy Ice Lolly

If your dog steadfastly refuses to wear bow ties and isn’t too fussed about having a wardrobe filled with different colored collars, one surefire way to impress them is with homemade treats.

The doggy ice lolly is made using apple and carrot, which are blended with water and then frozen around a treat stick in a paper cup, which makes the whole thing edible so you won’t have to try and coax a wooden lollipop stick from your salivating dog.

10. Minty Fresh Breath Dog Treats

You can consider these minty fresh breath dog treats a gift for the whole family, not necessarily because you’ll be passing them around the dinner table to share, but because they help freshen your dog’s breath so they will smell of mint and apple, rather than dog meat and whatever else they might have consumed.

The treats are easy to make and the only equipment you really need, other than a freezer, is a blender and some dog bone-shaped ice cube trays. If you don’t happen to have them lying around, you can easily buy them online.

Conclusion

Treating your dog occasionally is good for both of you, especially if it means you get to walk your pup in a fresh new collar or get rid of their dog breath with a minty breath-freshening treat. Above are our favorite dog gift ideas you can make yourself, many of which can be personalized to your own and your dog’s tastes.

Featured Image Credit: ChocoPie, Shutterstock

The post 10 DIY Gifts For Dogs You Can Make For Your Favorite Pooch by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Czech German Shepherd Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Czech German Shepherds, more commonly just referred to as Czech Shepherds, are a subset of German Shepherds. They hail from the border between Czechia and Germany. They share a lot of the same characteristics as German Shepherds except they tend to be a little lighter in color, heavier in weight, and are more muscular.

Although rare, they are prized as close protection and guard dogs, but they can make good family pets with proper and ongoing socialization from a young age. They are highly energetic dogs, though, that need to be given plenty of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Read on for more information about this uncommon dog breed and to determine whether it is the right choice of dog breed for you and your family.

Breed Overview

The German Shepherd is one of the best-known and most popular dog breeds in the world and it is as popular as a working dog as it is as a companion dog. It is still used as a guard dog, police dog, and for close protection work. Although rare, the Czech German Shepherd is a subset of the German Shepherd and is generally used for protection work thanks to its loyal, protective nature.

As such, it is not recommended for first-time owners, and even experienced owners must ensure they provide enough mental stimulation, physical exercise, training, and socialization to ensure the breed is well-adjusted and behaves well around strangers.

Czech German Shepherd Puppies

Although the German Shepherd is a common dog breed, the Czech German Shepherd is much less frequently found. In fact, it can be difficult to obtain, which means you will have your work cut out finding a breeder that offers this unique subset. Speak to breeders and ask what types of German Shepherds they have.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between German Shepherds and Czech Shepherds when they are puppies, and even when meeting the mothers because breeding dogs are not usually as muscular or athletic-looking as their working counterparts. Because Czech Shepherds are somewhat rarer, some breeders may use this to try and get more money for their Shepherds so be sure to ask questions and carefully check the dogs before buying.

Czech Shepherds are rare, but they are bred as working dogs and for protection, which means they can end up in rescues and shelters when they are no longer able to breed or if a previous owner was unable to handle the potential aggression of the breed. If you do see one in a shelter, be sure to check its temperament and behavioral qualities with the shelter before agreeing to adopt it. You don’t want to get home and find you have an aggressive dog on your hands when you weren’t expecting one.

That potential aggression means that you will need to socialize and train a young Czech Shepherd as soon as you get it home. Although socialization should continue throughout a dog’s life, it is most susceptible to socialization efforts when it is still a young pup. Similarly, young puppies are more likely to take to training when they are younger, so training should start early too.

Czech German Shepherd Breed Origin & History

Czech German Shepherds share their early breeding line with other East German Shepherds. German Shepherds were originally bred as herding or shepherding dogs, but their hard-working nature and their somewhat imposing look meant they became popular with the armed forces across the country and into the then Czech Republic.

However, in the 20^th Century, the Czech Army bred working dogs to patrol the border and in the 1950s when intentional breeding of this subline took off, it was the Czech Army that was primarily responsible for its development.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Czech German Shepherd Breed

Czech Shepherds, even when kept as family pets, are all business. They are alert, astute, and intelligent, and they can be trained to perform a wide variety of tasks and roles. Historically, they were used to patrol borders and have been used for close protection and guarding work ever since.

As such, they can be wary of strangers, and without proper socialization, they can show some signs of aggression. However, with close family members, they are usually very loving and affectionate.

The breed is intelligent and can be easily trained by an experienced handler. This intelligence does mean, however, that the breed needs something to occupy its brain, otherwise it can become bored and may develop behavioral issues. If you value your furniture and your household items, you will need to provide plenty of exercise, playtime, and games to keep them busy.

The Czech Shepherd can get along with other animals in the house, although gradual introductions will help ensure this is the case. And you will need to take things very carefully when introducing the breed to cats.

The size, strength, and guarding instinct of the breed means that it might not do well in an apartment. It will want to alert you to the presence of strangers which in apartments can include anybody walking past as well as those living above or next to you. The breed is somewhat vocal, too, so you could end up with noise complaints from the neighbors closest to you.

If you have some land, this will also allow you to provide additional exercise for your dog, but you will need to ensure that the outdoor area is secured because the Czech Shepherd is an agile athlete who can find a way out of gardens that are not fully secure.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Czech Shepherd is a working dog breed, but it can make an excellent family companion with the right treatment and handling. It is loyal and affectionate, and it can make a great guardian and companion for children. You should never leave very young children alone with dogs, but the Czech Shepherd is robust and rugged, which means it can be understanding and forgiving of accidental grabbing.

Always teach children to be respectful around dogs, however, and ensure that your dog is trained to behave well around children. If you are in any doubt, contact an animal behaviorist or professional dog trainer and enlist their help with your training efforts.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Czech German Shepherd can be integrated into a household with existing pets fairly easily. It can also get along with dogs outside its own household, although early and ongoing socialization will make this process a lot easier, while gradual introductions will ensure your Shepherd gets along well with your other pets. This is especially true when introducing the Czech Shepherd to cats.

Cats tend to run, and this can lead to the dog giving chase. Introduce them slowly, giving your cat time to get used to having a big dog in the house, and always give your cat a clear exit and plenty of high perches where it can hide. Never leave a dog alone with smaller animals. Even if your Shepherd doesn’t intentionally harm the other animal, accidents happen, and the size and strength of the breed means it doesn’t take much to cause injury to small pets.

Things to Know When Owning a Czech German Shepherd

The Czech Shepherd is smart and intelligent, and it tends to enjoy training, as it has a working attitude. It gets along with children, integrates into a family unit, and will usually get along with other pets in the household.

However, the breed has been bred for protection and guarding work, which means there is the potential for it to be highly protective. This, coupled with moderate to high energy levels and exercise requirements, means it isn’t necessarily the best breed for all potential owners.

Food & Diet Requirements

The Czech German Shepherd is a large subline of a large breed, and it is energetic. As such, it has a hearty appetite. You can feed wet food, dry food, or a combination of the two.

When feeding dry food, follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging, because different foods have different nutritional values and, therefore, different feeding levels. However, you can expect to feed around three full cups of kibble per day, which should ideally be split evenly across two meals.

If feeding wet food, use your dog’s weight and the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine how much food to give. No more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake should come from treats, and if you do feed treats or use them for training, you should reduce your dog’s daily food intake according to the treats you give. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean drinking water whenever it wants it.

Exercise

The Czech German Shepherd is a working breed, and it has moderate to high energy levels. You should provide at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day. This can include walks, but the breed will benefit from being given additional and more strenuous forms of exercise, especially those that engage the dog’s brain as well as its body.

Consider canine sports. The German Shepherd was originally bred as a herding dog, and many sports involve elements of herding that they can still excel at. Alternatively, get outside with a ball or toy and throw it around the garden for half an hour. You can also try agility courses, which you can set up yourself in your own yard. Flyball and other sports are also good options for this breed.

Training 

Canine sports are a good way to keep your dog mentally engaged, and so too is regular training. This type of breed not only accepts training but thrives on it. Early training will concentrate on things like potty training and teaching basic commands like sit and stay.

These commands can help encourage good behavior, too, and even discourage bad behavior. If your Shepherd tends to jump up when meeting people, getting them to sit and rewarding them for the successful completion of the command can prevent this behavior.

The breed has been used for everything from herding to protection work, with these tasks involving some independent thinking as well as more involved actions. Therefore, the breed can be taught more complex behaviors. Giving the Czech Shepherd tasks to perform will keep them active physically and mentally.

An important element of training any dog is socialization, and this is especially important with a breed like the Czech German Shepherd. Introduce them to new people, animals, and situations, starting when they are young but continuing throughout their lives. This will desensitize them to new situations and teach them that there is nothing to be afraid of and that you don’t need protection from people or other animals.

Grooming

The double coat of the Czech German Shepherd does need regular care to prevent it from getting knotted and causing discomfort. This will also help control shedding so that you won’t have as much cleanup to perform. Brush at least three times a week throughout the year, increasing the frequency to every day during the heavy shedding season.

Trim nails every 2 or 3 months, or when you can hear them clicking on hard floors. Check inside the ears regularly, and, when brushing the coat, look for signs of injury across the body. Dental hygiene is a big problem for a lot of pet dogs, and because your pup can’t brush its own teeth, it will need your help.

Brush teeth at least three times a week. While dental treats and dental chews can help, they are not a replacement for regular brushing and routine dental checkups.

Health and Conditions

Although the German Shepherd is a robust and hardy dog, there are some health conditions that this breed can be prone to. In particular, it is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia.

These conditions occur when the bones around the elbow or hip joint do not grow fully, or they grow out of position. Over time, as the bones develop and the dog ages, dysplasia can cause discomfort, pain, and lameness, and may develop into arthritis as the dog gets older. If you notice your Czech German Shepherd showing any signs of pain while moving around, have them checked over by a vet who may recommend X-rays and other checks to determine if this is the problem.

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Male vs Female

Male German Shepherds will usually grow a little bigger than females. Although training, socialization, and individual characteristics are more likely to determine the temperament of a dog, males can be more prone to aggression as well as being more likely to wander.

Females can be prone to mood swings, though, and they are not usually as affectionate as males.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Czech German Shepherd

1. They Used to Patrol the Borders with the Czech Army

German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, but Czech German Shepherds are a subset of the breed that were originally used to patrol the borders of the Czech Republic, accompanying the Czech Army.

2. Czech German Shepherds Are Usually Bigger and More Muscular

As a subset of the GSD, the Czech Shepherd shares a lot of similarities with the main breed, but it is generally bigger and more muscular and athletic than the East German Shepherd which is more commonly seen and kept as a pet.

3. They Can Be Very Protective

The history means that this breed can be very protective of its humans. Early socialization and good training are essential to help ensure that the dog does not become aggressive.

Final Thoughts

The Czech German Shepherd is an intelligent breed that is a subset of the German Shepherd breed. It is rarely seen but while it has a history as a guard dog and close protection dog, it can make a loving and loyal family pet. If you are considering one, you will need to provide lots of socialization and training from an early age.

The breed does require moderate to high exercise levels and that double coat also means that the breed has moderate care requirements. You will also benefit, as a family, from giving the dog tasks to perform that will keep it mentally active, as well as physically.

Featured Image Credit: Jess Whitney, Shutterstock

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